Book Quote by Francis Quarles
“God hath given to mankind a common library, His creatures; to every man a proper book, himself being an abridgment of all others. If thou read with understanding, it will make thee a great master of philosophy, and a true servant of the divine Author: if thou but barely read, it will make thee thine own wise man and the Author's fool.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Book of the World, 1652
Reading with understanding transforms a person into a master of philosophy and a servant of the divine; shallow reading yields folly.
In simple terms: Deep reading makes you wise; skimming leads to foolishness.
Key Takeaway
Read deeply, seek comprehension.
Themes
knowledge
philosophy
spirituality
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
educational
spiritual
When to use this quote
- academic study
- personal reflection
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
interpretation
self‑knowledge
humility
Questions to Reflect On
- What texts deserve your full attention?
- How can you balance depth with daily demands?
A Different Perspective
Time constraints may limit deep reading.
